Yes, sales of sex toys have gone up because of the recession

“a New York Times/CBS news poll found that due to the recession, people were spending more time with family and friends or pursuing hobbies. One of the more popular “hobbies” seems to be sex, as condom and sex toy companies report higher sales.”

In fact, the link appears to be so strong that some economists are thinking of using the sex toy market as an indicator of impending economic failure… according to BigThink which says:

“Market research in 2009 found that sales of lubricants and sexual-enhancement devices were rocketing in the recession. The argument for this surge in sales of sexual aids sounds much like the argument made for lipstick [another consumer good whose sales are supposed to boom coming up to a recession]; people need a cheap way to feel good in hard times (either that or they need a way to get hard in hard times).”

So if you were thinking of treating yourself, or someone else to one this cold winter, be assured you’ll be in good company.

See our Naughty Toys category for a selection of NSFW fun from the great to the weird…